In addition to such phrases as “perfectionist” and “limber” and “a classic beauty” that will never be used to describe me, here’s another: “She is all about the taper.”

I haven’t followed an official training program for a half marathon for several years; just have kind of gone into the “wing-it” category. So when my friend Yolanda, who has coached for Luke’s Locker for eons, asked how my tapering for the Dallas Half Marathon is going, I believe my response was along the lines of, “Um…taper? Oh yeah…THAT!”

For those who don’t participate in these crazy long races, a taper is just that — a time to ease off on training and thus (though some of us may not let ourselves believe this) to rev ourselves up for the big race. I fall into the category of those who are not good taper-ers. I have a hard time not working out, not running — or at least not putting myself out for most runs.

Which brings me to a letter that Kerry Little, Dallas running coordinator for Luke’s Locker, sent to runners in the store’s marathon and half-marathon training programs.

I’m not going to paraphrase because Kerry says it so well. So here, in parts and edited for space, is her letter:

“The Taper is a period of great anxiety for many marathoners, first-timers and veterans alike. Over the course of training for a marathon, an athlete becomes accustomed to running many miles each week, and constantly feeling the rush of endorphin-driven highs and the persistent fatigue and soreness of effort. The athlete becomes somewhat addicted to these emotions and considers them normal.

“The tapering marathoner will be irritable, anxious, nervous, overly emotional, short-tempered, restless, tired, cranky, and maybe depressed. It sounds like a great three weeks, doesn’t it? It is not unlike an addict going through withdrawal.

“During the first part of Taper Madness you will hear about every small ache and pain and how it may be a broken leg or torn ligament or some other traumatic injury. Every twinge becomes a reason to think about postponing the marathon effort. Every sneeze, sniffle, cough or pimple becomes a life-threatening virus or infection. Tight hamstrings, inflamed IT bands, tweaked Achilles, plantar fasciitis, black toenails, bloody nipples, and chafing all arise as complaints, and this is just during breakfast.”

She goes on to talk about the week before the marathon (or half for some of us), when self doubt is a constant and annoying companion. Plus, some people gain a few pounds because they’re not burning as many calories, which can lead to more irritability etc.

The important thing to remember through all this, though, is that it’s all part of the process. Whatever you’re feeling is normal. And that if you’ve put in your miles and your time, you ARE ready. Really. A week or two or three of cutting back to what — a mere 30 miles a week?! — is precisely what you need to do.

Sometimes, not doing something is just as important as doing something.

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Health, fitness, nutrition and medical matters for you and your Dallas-Fort Worth family.